Located on the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is well known for its historic sites and beautiful beaches. Only one hour from the Jacksonville International Airport and two hours from popular theme parks in Orlando, you'll find warm weather and plenty of fun things to do in this Florida destination.

History

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in the mainland United States.

Named for the city’s founder Pedro Menendez de Aviles, Aviles Street is one of the oldest streets in the U.S.

In addition to being the site of the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, Aviles Street is known as an arts district, where you can peruse art galleries and museums, and enjoy a light meal and coffee in the cafes.

Castillo de San Marcos is a stone fortress built during the late 1600s to protect the Spanish settlement from invaders.

As a National Monument, you can experience colonial history by taking a tour and watching reenactors fire cannons and muskets.

Where to Stay

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection is the ideal accommodation for your visit to St. Augustine.

Low lighting, jewel tones, gold accents, and ornate furniture are intrinsic to the resort’s Moroccan-inspired décor. Just a few steps away from museums and shopping, this central location makes it easy to sightsee and enjoy rest and relaxation when you return at the end of your day. Amenities include an outdoor pool area to lounge in the sun and a fitness center, so you won’t have to miss a workout while away from home.

Also on site are Poseidon Spa, offering wellness and beauty treatments, and Cordova, a restaurant and bar serving a classic steakhouse and seafood menu.

Where to Eat

Breakfast — What could be a happier start to your day than Peace, Love & Little Donuts? Bright colors and groovy music will transport you to the 1970s.

Friendly employees in tie-dyed T-shirts will greet you and introduce you to the 60+ options of decorated donuts. The display case is just for show - each bite-sized treat is topped fresh to order. Hot and iced coffee drinks are also available to jump start your day. The Maple Bacon, Chaka Pecan, and Mocha donuts, along with an iced chai latte, are delicious.

Lunch — The rooftop at Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila offers outdoor dining with waterfront views overlooking Matanzas Bay. The tropical décor and Latin pop music will instantly put you in an upbeat, vacation mood.

Start with the Mexi-calamari (fried calamari and lightly breaded poblano peppers on a bed of red ranchera sauce with a drizzle of cilantro garlic aioli) followed by crispy shrimp tacos.

Dinner — The light and airy coastal décor in the dining room of St. Augustine Fish Camp provides a relaxing setting for your evening meal. The menu offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes.

If you like eating outdoors, the deck delivers a beautiful view of the sunset over the water.

Where to Shop

The pedestrian-only, cobblestone-paved St. George Street is the perfect area to stroll in search of souvenirs, restaurants, and sweet treats.

Red Pineapple is a “shabby chic” boutique where you can shop for summer sundresses and accessorize them with beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. Handbags, candles, and vintage-style housewares also make lovely gifts for family and friends.

Who knew how many wonderful products can be made from honey? Savannah Bee Company sells honey in a jar, on a honeycomb, and incorporated into many different products ranging from honey BBQ sauce to body creams and lip balms. The sales staff will gladly tell you how Savannah Bee Company is actively working towards its mission to save the bees!

Get Lit: A Fashionably Bookish Boutique is the perfect shop for someone smitten with living a literary lifestyle. 

Here, books are incorporated into the design of purses, wallets, home décor and more.

Bringing home a bookmark, keychain, ink pen set, or coffee mug will express your love of reading through everyday items.

Midnight Moon Books & Boutique is a spacious store with comfortable seating areas to chat about your favorite books.

Stocking a variety of genres including romance, suspense, contemporary fiction, and self-help, you’re sure to discover your next great read. In addition to books, you can shop book-themed accessories such as tote bags, bookmarks, and T-shirts.

Museums

Visitors to Lightner Museum will be welcomed by a friendly greeter who will happily share the history of the building. From 1888 to 1931, this building served as the Hotel Alcazar, constructed by Henry Flagler.

In 1948, Otto C. Lightner transformed the former hotel into Lightner Museum where you can view collections of Gilded Age furniture, Tiffany glass, oil paintings, and sculptures that once belonged to American industrialists.

Inspired by architecture of Grenada, Spain, Villa Zorayda was constructed as a winter home for Franklin Smith (builder of the Casa Monica Resort and Spa) in 1883.

During its long history, Villa Zorayda also thrived as a supper club and a 1920s casino and speakeasy. In 1933, the second owners of the property, Abraham and Olga Mussallem, transitioned Villa Zorayda into a museum where you can tour the space and see antiques and artifacts collected during the owners’ travels. Wandering through each room, you’ll also see vases from Seville, Spain, ornate furniture, and an impressive art collection.

Protect Your Trip

Historic landmarks, arts and culture, and flavorful cuisine set against a backdrop of comfortable weather and palm trees make St. Augustine a destination you don’t want to miss.

Once you’ve booked your trip, be sure to purchase an iTravelInsured travel protection plan.

Travel insurance offers coverage for a variety of unexpected disruptions so you can have peace of mind, leave worries behind, and focus on enjoying your vacation.